The Battle for Batman's Cowl

Batman won't rest in peace as long as these guys are fighting over the costume.

By Jesse Schedeen

If you paid attention to the announcements coming out of SDCC this past weekend, you might have noticed a teaser image from DC with the tagline "Battle for the Cowl."

It's no secret that Batman's life is being thrown through the ringer, thanks to writer Grant Morrison. Currently, the Bat books are embroiled in a storyline called Batman R.I.P.. Whether Bruce Wayne will still be in one piece by the end, either physically or psychologically, is looking more and more doubtful each day.

Would the next Caped Crusader please stand up?

The "Battle for the Cowl" poster shows five heroes and villains – Nightwing, Robin, Red Hood, Catwoman, and Hush – who are supposed candidates to replace Batman. We've taken these five characters, as well as a few other likely schmucks, and put together a full-on Batman breakdown. We ask the big questions. Who are they? What drives them? Do they have the skills and motivation it takes to be Batman? How do they look in spandex?

For each character, we provide a general background and the likelihood of them sporting the costume. Obviously, everyone has their own opinion of who should take over. Many of you probably feel there can be no Batman without Bruce Wayne. Whatever the case, leave your thoughts in the comments section and help fuel the fires of Internet controversy.

Years ago, there existed a group called the Club of Heroes. This gang brought together crimefighters from all over the world, each inspired in their own way by the exploits of Batman and Robin. These days, the Club is disbanded, but one relic still remains. It's called the Club of Villains, and they've set their sights on Batman.

Batman has always feared the possibility that there might be a villain out there operatig totally unseen. This villain might have been planning for years to take down the Dark Knight. Batman's greatest asset is his knack for preparation. But what happens when he faces a thret he can't possibly plan for?

"The Claw" wants a piece of the Bat.

That secretive villain exists, and their name is Black Glove. Batman doesn't know who or what Black Glove might be, but he can feel their fingers closing in around his neck. As Batman R.I.P. opens, Black Glove has gathered the various members of the Club of Villains and kicked off the Danse Macabre. The ultimate goal of the Danse is meant to be the complete destruction of Batman.

Based on what we know, we don't think Bruce Wayne will die at the end of this storyline. However, DC seems pretty clear in the idea that someone else will be wearing the costume, if only for a while.